有力

• Reading: ゆうりょく
• Romaji: yuuryoku
• Kanji breakdown: 有 (yuu) — have, possess; 力 (ryoku) — power, strength, influence
• Pronunciation: /jɯː.ɾʲo.kɯ/

Meaning

Influential; prominent; strong. Having significant power, support, or likelihood.

A na-adjective with two key uses. For people/organisations: 有力な候補者 (strong candidate), 有力な企業 (leading company) — having influence and standing. For information/theories: 有力な手がかり (promising lead), 有力な説 (prevailing theory) — having strong supporting evidence. Context determines which meaning applies.

Examples

1. 彼は次の社長の有力な候補だと言われている。 He's said to be a strong candidate for the next president.
2. 捜査で有力な手がかりが見つかった。 A promising lead was found during the investigation.
3. 有力な投資家からの支援を受けて事業を拡大した。 The business expanded with support from a prominent investor.

Usage Guide

Context: news, politics, business

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 有 (yuu, have/possess) + 力 (ryoku, power/strength). Literally 'having power' — someone or something that possesses influence or compelling strength.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated